Indeed it was Ratty.
Short wheelbase, high clearance, short overhang front and rear, and incredible traction- the VW Thing had many of the go-anywhere characteristics of the old WWII Jeep. It did, in fact, serve the German Army in the same way. Mine was just a slightly upgraded version. Both old and new- they were put on Beetle chassis, engines and trannies.
Strangely, with the right tires, it also cornered like a madman.
Charlie